Noor Wodjouatt

My wife, Dr. Maryam, and I, Noor Wodjouatt, have always believed that one of the best ways to understand a culture is to experience its food. During our trip to Europe last week, we discovered the beautiful Afghan restaurant Sarban in the Netherlands, and it truly was an extraordinary experience!

A Warm Welcome with Afghan Hospitality

On a cold autumn night, as we entered Sarban, we were immediately enveloped by the warmth that is the hallmark of Afghan hospitality. The atmosphere was calm yet elegant, with soft lighting and thoughtful décor that transported us from the historic streets of the Netherlands to the ancient Silk Road.

The staff greeted us with sincere smiles, making us feel like honored guests in someone’s home, not just customers in a restaurant. This in itself was a unique experience.

The Story of Sarban: More Than Just a Restaurant

For many Afghans, and for me as a music lover, the name Sarban instantly brings to mind the legendary Afghan musician Ustad Sarban. But today, the name Sarban has created another lasting memory for me.

What truly makes Sarban special is not just the food—though we’ll soon get to that feast!—but the beautiful mission behind it. Founded by the Alizadeh family in 2010, Sarban has grown from a single location in Tilburg to four thriving restaurants across the Netherlands. But their success isn’t measured only by the number of branches or satisfied customers.

The name “Sarban” means “guide,” and this family truly lives up to it. They have trained over 100 young people with refugee backgrounds, offering not just jobs but pathways to independence and belonging. Every week, they provide a meal to a family in need. Their “Dinner with Impact” program means that when you dine at Sarban, you’re also giving someone else an amazing dinner experience.

As someone who deeply values social responsibility, I found this approach incredibly inspiring. This was a restaurant that truly understood what I have always believed in.

A Feast for Everyone

We chose the surprise menu, and what delightful surprises awaited us! Our evening began with mantu—one of Afghanistan’s exquisite dishes that has traveled the Silk Road for centuries. Served with homemade chaka, each bite was a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The corn pakoras, with their minty taste, brought back memories of Kabul’s streets, while the tender chicken with mild Afghan spices, served with bread beautifully presented on a stand shaped like Afghanistan, was aromatic and soft.

What impressed us most was that the staff explained each dish—not just what it was, but the story behind it, how it was prepared, and its place in Afghan culture. I wished my son could have been with us to learn more about the history of Afghan cuisine, because this was not just service, but cultural storytelling at its best.

The Main Table: A Spread of Treasures

The main course was a spectacular spread that could easily feed a celebration. Two rice dishes were at the center: vibrant spinach rice and the stunning qabili pulao—fragrant rice with lamb, topped with julienned carrots, sun-dried raisins, and slivered almonds. This dish alone was worth the visit!

Then came the sides: creamy eggplant, hearty dal, spicy meatballs, and Afghan salad. But another star of the table was the twice-cooked chicken, so tender it practically melted in our mouths, with spices that harmonized beautifully without overpowering.

Maryam and I looked at each other across the table, and without words, we both knew: this was one of those meals we would remember forever.

Sweet Endings and Warm Traditions

Our hosts at Sarban ended the meal with pistachio ice cream, its pistachio flavor beautifully complemented by the subtle aroma of cardamom. Despite the ice-cold dessert, the warmth of the evening lingered, making it the perfect ending to such a rich meal.

A Beautiful Observation

What touched our hearts was realizing that, while we and another couple seemed to be of Afghan descent, the restaurant was filled with Dutch families, couples, and friends from other European cities—all thoroughly enjoying this authentic Afghan experience. It was a beautiful reminder of how food truly connects people across cultures.

In a world where people often seem divided by lines on a map, here was a room full of people from different backgrounds, all united in their appreciation of Afghan hospitality and cuisine.

Our Sincere Recommendation

Sarban is not just about eating; it’s about experiencing. It’s about slowing down, because an Afghan table is meant to be savored over time. This restaurant is about connecting with loved ones and opening your heart to a culture that, despite its hardships, has so much beauty to share.

The prices are very fair for the quality and quantity you receive. The portions are generous without being wasteful. And knowing that your dinner also provides a meal for someone in need? This is the kind of dining experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Congratulations to the Alizadeh family and the entire Sarban team on this success, and our heartfelt thanks for being true Sarbans—guides who have shown us not just the flavors of Afghanistan, but its heart.